China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, has expressed confidence that the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra could breathe fresh life into India-China relations, as both countries look to turn a corner after years of tension. His comments come at a time when efforts are underway to stabilize the situation along the disputed border and improve overall diplomatic ties.
Xu noted that China is open to working with India on refining the rules governing border management and control. This proposal comes in the backdrop of a prolonged military standoff that began four years ago along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While no final resolution has been reached, both sides appear interested in moving towards a more stable and cooperative dynamic. Xu emphasized that dialogue through both diplomatic and military channels remains key, and that China supports confidence-building measures to bring lasting peace to the region.
A significant symbol of this renewed spirit of engagement is the potential revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra — a pilgrimage of deep spiritual significance for Indians. The yatra, which passes through the Tibetan plateau, had been halted due to COVID-19 and border tensions. According to Xu, China’s willingness to reopen this sacred route is a sincere gesture aimed at improving bilateral relations. He also revealed that direct flights between the two countries could resume soon, making travel easier for pilgrims and tourists alike.
This effort to rebuild ties is taking place alongside an uptick in high-level official visits between the two nations. Over the past month, several top Indian ministers, including those handling defence, foreign affairs, and national security, have traveled to China for meetings related to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). There’s also speculation that the Indian Prime Minister might travel to China for the SCO Summit scheduled at the end of August — his first potential visit since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
While these diplomatic efforts show promise, underlying tensions persist — especially around the sensitive issue of Tibet and China's relationship with Pakistan. Xu pushed back against Indian concerns about China's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a counterterrorism initiative. When Indian military officials recently hinted at China’s involvement as being less than neutral, Xu denied any such claims and reiterated that China’s relationship with Pakistan is not directed against India or any other country.
The ambassador also cautioned Indian leaders against making public statements on Tibet, particularly regarding the Dalai Lama’s succession. He warned that such remarks could create unnecessary friction and derail progress in bilateral relations.
When asked about China’s growing trilateral engagements in South Asia — including joint efforts with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh — Xu insisted that these initiatives are open to all countries, including India. He rejected any suggestion that China was attempting to marginalize India’s role in the region. Instead, he highlighted that trade between China and South Asian nations has doubled over the past decade, rising from under $100 billion to around $200 billion, largely due to China’s infrastructure and connectivity projects.
Despite India’s continued refusal to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Xu left the door open for broader collaboration, suggesting that regional cooperation should not be held hostage by political differences. In his view, a shared vision of development and stability could benefit the entire region — and the revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra may just be the first step on a longer journey of reconciliation.
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